For “Queen of Country” Dolly Parton, her story did not end with her passing. Dollywood, a theme park co-owned by Parton, has big plans to commemorate the multi-talented singer who died on Aug 25.
Dollywood plans a new reflection area, footpath and character to honor Dolly Parton
Dollywood is Dolly Parton’s award-winning 160-acre theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. She cofounded the park in 1986 to celebrate Appalachian culture and boost tourism in her hometown region. The park features more than 50 rides, live entertainment, festivals, and attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year.
On Wednesday, the park announced new plans to honour Parton. Company President Eugene Naughton shared a number of developments to keep the 10-time-Grammy-winner’s legacy alive.
According to Koat, a reflecting area around a waterfall will be constructed near the chapel in the theme park, which honours the doctor who delivered Parton at birth. Dollywood will also add a new character, “The Dream Maker”, along with a footpath. Many of the new projects are ongoing and will be ready when the park reopens for the season in 2027.
Parton, a celebrated country singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, died on Aug 25 at the age of 80, following a brief battle with cancer. Her classics include “Jolene”, “Coat of Many Colours”, “9 to 5”, and “I Will Always Love You”.
Dollywood released a statement after her death, reading in part:
“With heavy hearts, the Dollywood family mourns the passing of our beloved Dreamer-in-Chief, Dolly Parton. Everyone at Dollywood shares the sorrow of countless people around the world touched by Dolly’s warmth, wisdom and generous spirit.”
“Dolly’s heartfelt wish was that Dollywood always remain a place of joy, hope and togetherness—a space where families and friends could honor her memory, not with silence, but with laughter, music and shared dreams.”
Parton was one of the most popular celebrities in the country music circuit. Her warm and loving nature, along with projects such as the Imagination Library paint a fond picture of the artist.
Originally reported by Sreemanti Sengupta for Reality Tea
